Histidine

Histidine at a Glance

• An amino acid that provides antioxidant benefits
• Is also capable of soothing skin
• Alternate name is L-histidine
• May be animal-derived or synthetic

Histidine Description

Histidine is an amino acid that has antioxidant and soothing properties for skin. It is a key building block of the skin protein filaggrin, which plays a leading role in maintaining skin’s barrier. Histidine helps keep proteins properly “folded”, which increases their stability and ensures the proteins can do their jobs correctly.

Among the amino acids people need to remain healthy, histidine is considered essential since the body cannot make it. As such, people must obtain this nutrient via proteins from foods or supplements.

Topically, research has shown histidine is a potent scavenger of the hydroxyl radical, which can cause a cascade of damage on skin’s surface. It also plays a role in helping skin maintain hydration by improving its natural moisturizing factors and ability to withstand environmental damage.

Interestingly, deficiencies in histidine are one factor behind skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis. Correcting this can help visibly improve the problem of itchy, dry skin.

Histidine maybe derived from protein-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, soy, beans, nuts and whole grains but may also be synthetic (Paula’s Choice Skincare uses the latter). Usage levels for skin care products range from 0.00009%–0.05%. Its safety for skin has been reviewed and confirmed.

You will most often find histidine used with other amino acids since this approach delivers synergistic benefits.

Histidine References